Are Florida divorces making our children overweight?

Just like parents, children in Florida suffer whenever a marriage is dissolved. New research conducted by an overseas institute of public health shows that, for children, suffering in a divorce may lead to physical symptoms as much as it can lead to emotional symptoms. Indeed, the research provides evidence that children of split families show a higher propensity for abdominal and general obesity.

The recently published findings of the researchers say that divorce could be contributing to obesity problems. The researchers gathered weight, height and waist size information for a total of 3,166 children with a median of 8.3 years of age. Allegedly, children whose parents are divorced show a 1.54 times higher chance of being obese. Among that group, there was a corresponding ratio of 1.89 times higher chance of abdominal obesity.

Researchers even tested the data against other factors that can cause higher childhood obesity rates, such as parental education levels, ethnic origin information and where the children live. However, this information did not alter the results. The research indisputably shows a higher risk of child obesity among children from divorced families.

Florida parents in the throes of divorce may be having a difficult time keeping their own emotions and physical conditions in check. However, after looking at the results of this study, parents with shared or full child custody may wish to evaluate the potential for their children suffering from physical health concerns.

One way that parents can help themselves and their families while going through a divorce is to limit the stress involved as much as possible. So long as both sides are working to stay on the same page and are able to reach agreement and accord in a divorce, the process can proceed as painlessly as possible. For example, sometimes, divorce mediation can be an excellent way for parents to resolve differences quickly and easily without the need for painful and sometimes expensive court proceedings.